Plaque to Jan Krejčí

The memorial plaque to Jan Krejčí hangs on the western stretch of the Vyšehrad fortress walls, next to Štulcova street, in the park that runs beneath the ramparts of Prague's Vyšehrad fortress. It's a modest, easy-to-miss detail along the walking route around the walls — a relief portrait framed by a wreath, dedicated to one of the founding figures of Czech geology.

Who was Jan Krejčí?

Jan Krejčí was born on 28 February 1825 in Klatovy and died on 1 August 1887 in Prague. He worked as a geologist, educator, publicist and politician. Between 1844 and 1848 he studied mineralogy and chemistry at the Prague Polytechnic Institute. From 1864 he taught there as a professor, and in 1867 he became the institute's first rector after it was reorganized into a Czech-language polytechnic. He wrote the first Czech-language geology textbook, published in 1860 — by publishing his work in Czech rather than German, he is regarded as the founder of modern Czech geology.

What does the plaque show?

The plaque takes the form of a relief portrait set within a wreath, bearing the inscription "Památce Dr. Jana Krejčího českého geologa, *1825–1887†" — "In memory of Dr. Jan Krejčí, Czech geologist." It's a brief, factual tribute rather than a detailed biography: the birth and death dates are enough to remind passers-by who is being honored.

Why is the plaque located here?

The plaque was originally installed in connection with the opening of the Vyšehrad tunnel, cut through the rock where a villa associated with Krejčí once stood. In 1996 the new owner of the wall section carrying the plaque demolished part of that wall, forcing its removal. The plaque was finally reinstalled in 1999 at its current spot — the western wall of the Vyšehrad fortifications by Štulcova street — where it remains today.

What protection status does the plaque have?

The plaque is registered as a Czech movable national cultural monument, meaning it carries formal heritage protection against damage or unauthorized relocation.

How do you get to the plaque?

The plaque sits in the park below the Vyšehrad ramparts, on Štulcova street in Prague 2. It forms part of the popular walking route around the fortifications, which links Vltava river viewpoints with the fortress's historic walls — worth combining with a visit to Vyšehrad itself.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jan Krejčí? A Czech geologist, educator and publicist (1825–1887), author of the first Czech-language geology textbook and the first rector of Prague's Czech polytechnic.

What does the inscription say? "In memory of Dr. Jan Krejčí, Czech geologist," together with his birth and death dates and a wreathed relief portrait.

Where exactly is the plaque? On the western wall of the Vyšehrad fortifications, next to Štulcova street in Prague 2, in the park beneath the ramparts.

Is this the original plaque? The current plaque was reinstalled in 1999 after the wall it previously hung on was demolished in 1996; its history traces back to the opening of the Vyšehrad tunnel.

Is the plaque protected? Yes, it holds the status of a movable national cultural monument in the Czech Republic.